There are a million things you will be encouraged to acquire before your newborn arrives and it can be hard to identify the essentials. So at babocush, instead of adding to the noise, we’ve streamlined the list and picked out 10 baby essentials. Some seem basic, but when you are expecting, some things slip your mind.
Yes, when you think of babies, of course, you think of nappies, but sometimes the most obvious things are what we forget. Buy in bulk, and you’ll save money and late night trips to 24-hour stores. Store nappies in your car, grandparents’ or siblings’ homes you may visit. When you’re rushing out the door with your baby, you’ll be glad of the extra supply. Ideally, your baby won’t be affected by nappy rash but if they are it’s best to have some natural creams on hand.
From the moment your baby leaves the hospital until they are 15-months old they must use a baby car seat. For the first few months, the seat must be placed with your baby facing the rear of the car. The laws in the UK were updated as recently as March 2017, don’t follow well-meaning misinformed advice. Backless booster seats are for children weighing 15kg or over; typically your child will approach this weight at 3 years old.
Traditionally, we think of babies bathing in sinks, but hard surfaces and slippery conditions aren’t ideal. Online bathing tubs are relatively inexpensive, but before using them pour water and soap inside to ensure the plastics do not react negatively. For best practice on bathing, read our bathtime baby safety essentials here.
While we are covering bath time, let’s not forget the soaps. We recommend using natural products and as soon as you find something that works for your baby stick to it. Mixing bathing products can irritate adults skin, so imagine the effects on a newborn’s sensitive skin. Odourless, non-scented and minimal ingredients are the best way to go.
This may seem like something for the future, but proper preparation is vital. Generally, babies begin teething at 4-6 months however some will start the process as early as 3 months! It may seem like a long time now, but when your baby arrives, 3 months will pass quite quickly. Teething rings can offer relief to your baby and some people recommend introducing them early. See how the babocush was able to offer contentment to one teething baby here.
If you opt for breastfeeding, a breast pump is a must-have. Breast pumps allow you to store milk so when you aren’t present your partner, friends and family can maintain this natural diet. There are other benefits - for example, breast pumps reduce engorgement and the resulting pain and sensitivity. Additional information on engorgement, clogged ducts and how to address the condition can be found here.
Much like teething rings, this can seem like a future purchase, but again time will fly. When you make the shift from liquid to solid foods, your baby may take time to adopt. Add a new seated position to the mix and the transition can become more difficult. Offset this double shift by introducing the high chair early allowing your baby to adjust to their new environment. Your baby will not eat in an upright position until the 5 or 6-month mark, but they may begin to sit this way at an earlier point.
When pregnant, people will always point out that your hands will be full when your baby arrives - this is not just a sentiment. Your newborn will occupy your arms, hands and mind constantly. Slings and carriers offer a physical closeness that prams do not, and they are also much more agile. When at home, the babocush is a perfect way to keep your baby contented when they aren’t in your arms. The cushion’s internal heartbeat simulator soothes your baby and recreates the sensation of being held against your chest.
Concerning bedding, some parents opt for a Moses basket first, and others will go straight for a cot. For a Moses basket, you need pram sized blankets and a fitted mattress. Do not use anything loose in the bed; this poses a fatal risk to your baby. For cots make sure you fit sheets to the bottom of the crib. During their first months, a lightweight cotton baby grow will prevent your baby from becoming too warm or restless at night.
Clothes can be hard to buy, especially as your baby grows so fast. At least one baby grow for each day of the week is a good start. They will live in these all-in-one clothes for their first few months. It’s also advisable to get 2 cardigans and 2 short sleeve baby suits for varying conditions. Babies lose most of their heat from their head, so a hat is a must-have item. Regularly check your baby is not too warm - overheating is a genuine risk for a new baby.
